JPWO2009001828A1 - Terminal, function activation method and terminal program - Google Patents

Abstract

According to the present invention, even when a function involving character input is being executed, another function can be activated without taking time and effort. The terminal recognizes a function related to the input character in a state where the display unit and the character can be input, converts the symbol into a symbol displayed on the display unit to activate the recognized function, and outputs the symbol A character conversion unit. The terminal further includes a control unit that activates the function corresponding to the symbol displayed on the display unit (FIG. 1).

Description

(Description of related applications)
This application claims the priority of the previous Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-167239 (filed on June 26, 2007), and the entire description of the previous application is incorporated herein by reference. Is considered to be.
The present invention relates to a terminal, a function activation method, and a terminal program, and in particular, a portable terminal and a function capable of activating other functions without taking time even when a function involving character input is being executed. The present invention relates to an activation method and a terminal program.

  In recent years, the functions of mobile terminals such as mobile phones, PHS (Personal Handyphone System) terminals or PDA (Personal Digital Assistants) have been remarkably increased. For example, in addition to calling functions and e-mail functions, a wide variety of functions such as Internet connection functions, schedule functions, address book functions, camera functions, and one-segment viewing functions for digital terrestrial broadcasting have been installed in mobile terminals. It is coming.

  Therefore, when a user of a portable terminal tries to activate a desired function, the user must remember the function activation procedure of the portable terminal and perform an operation according to the procedure. In addition, when the function activation procedure is not remembered, it is necessary to refer to the instruction manual of the portable terminal, which is troublesome for the user. Such a situation also occurs in various peripheral devices and information appliances.

  For example, assume that a user of a mobile terminal tries to activate another function (for example, a camera function) while inputting characters using an application such as an electronic mail function or an address book function. At this time, the user first opens the function menu. A desired function is activated by performing an operation such as selecting a user-desired function (for example, a camera function) from the menu function list. As described above, a user-intensive procedure is required.

  However, it has been desired that the user of the portable terminal can easily activate a desired function without taking the above-described trouble. In view of this, a related technique for providing a means for easily activating a desired function has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  Patent Document 1 “Application Activation Method and Portable Terminal Using the Method” describes a function activation method as described below. That is, the portable terminal searches for a candidate for the corresponding application name from all application names by inputting a part of the name of the application to be started in characters. Then, the search results are rearranged according to the activation frequency and displayed on the display screen. When the user selects the name of a desired application from the list of candidates displayed on the display screen, the application indicated by the name is activated. As a result, the user does not need to learn a new operation method, a search is performed by inputting characters, and a desired application of the portable terminal can be activated from the search result list.

  There is also related technology that proposes a function search execution device that allows a user to easily select and execute a function without having to memorize an operation method for executing the desired function. (For example, refer to Patent Document 2).

  Patent Document 2 “Function Search Execution Device” described above describes a function activation method as follows. That is, the function search execution device includes search means and an internal dictionary. When the user inputs a keyword related to a function, the search means searches for the keyword in the internal dictionary and displays the keyword and function candidate name on the display means. When the user selects a specific function candidate name from the function candidate names, the specific function is executed.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-258524 (page 5-9, FIGS. 1-4) JP-A-8-152987 (page 3-5, FIG. 1-5)

It should be noted that the disclosure of each of the above patent documents is incorporated herein by reference.
In the application activation method described in Patent Document 1 related to the present invention, a search program in a mobile terminal is first executed, and then a part of the name of the application to be activated is input in characters. . Therefore, the user of the portable terminal has a problem that an extra operation of executing a search program has to be performed.

  In the function search execution device described in Patent Document 2 described above, when another function is executed while a certain function is being executed, the user must first start the search means. Therefore, the user has a problem that an extra operation of activating the search means has to be performed.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a terminal, a function activation method, and a program for a terminal that can activate other functions without taking time and effort even during execution of a function that involves character input. It is in.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, in a state where the display unit and the character can be input, the function related to the input character is recognized and displayed on the display unit in order to activate the recognized function. And a character conversion unit for converting to a symbol and outputting the symbol. The terminal further includes a control unit that activates the function corresponding to the symbol displayed on the display unit.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, a conversion step of recognizing a function related to an input character in a state where the character can be input, and converting the recognized function into a symbol for activating the recognized function; There is provided a function activation method including a display step of displaying a converted symbol on a display unit. The function activation method further includes an activation step of activating the function corresponding to the symbol displayed on the display unit.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in a state where characters can be input, a conversion process for recognizing a function related to the input character and converting the recognized function into a symbol for starting the function; There is provided a program for causing a terminal to execute a display process for displaying the converted symbol on a display unit and an activation process for activating the function corresponding to the symbol displayed on the display unit.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to activate another function without taking time and effort even when a function involving character input is being executed.

It is a block diagram which shows embodiment of the portable terminal of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the 1st Example of the portable terminal of this invention. It is a detailed block diagram which shows an example of a character conversion part. It is a detailed block diagram which shows an example of a function name dictionary. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement of a present Example. It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen of the operation | movement of a present Example. It is a block diagram which shows the 2nd Example of the portable terminal of this invention. It is a detailed block diagram which shows an example of the character conversion part of a 2nd Example. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement of a 2nd Example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Control part 11 Character conversion part 12 Input character conversion part 13 Function name search part 14 Symbol output part 11-1 Character conversion part 12-1 Input character conversion part 13-1 Function name search part 14-1 Symbol output part 20 Storage part 21 character conversion dictionary 22 function name dictionary 30 display unit 40 operation unit 50 camera 100 portable terminal

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a portable terminal of the present invention.

  A mobile terminal 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a display unit 2, a character conversion unit 3, and a control unit 4. The character conversion unit 3 recognizes a function related to the input character in a state where the character can be input, such as during execution of a mail function or a data input function. Furthermore, the character conversion unit 3 converts the input character into a symbol displayed on the display unit 2 in order to activate the recognized function, and outputs it. The control unit 4 activates a function corresponding to the symbol displayed on the display unit 2.

  Here, the function is a function provided in the mobile terminal 1 such as a camera function and a schedule function provided in the mobile terminal 1, and is a function that can be executed by an operation from a general function menu display screen. is there.

  The symbol is icon information, character string information, or pictographic information that displays the function in an easy-to-understand manner.

  The character conversion unit 3 is incorporated in the control unit 4 in FIG. 1, but this is because the control unit 4 operates based on program control by the CPU, and the character conversion unit 3 is also included in the CPU. This is because it operates in conjunction with control. However, the character conversion unit 3 in the embodiment of the present invention may be independent of the control unit 4.

  The user of the portable terminal 1 in FIG. 1 can recognize the function without displaying and operating the menu screen when the portable terminal 1 is in a state where characters can be input, for example, when a function involving character input is being executed. Enter characters. Thereby, the character conversion part 3 recognizes the function relevant to the input character, the symbol corresponding to the function is displayed on the display part 2, and the control part 4 starts the function.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to activate other functions without taking time and effort even during execution of a function that involves character input.

  Further, since the symbol is displayed on the display unit 2, the user can confirm from the symbol display that the related function can be activated when the character is input.

  In this embodiment, when the function is activated, it is desirable that the control unit 4 is activated after operating or instructing a symbol displayed on the display unit 2. These instructions and operations are operations that do not require much time for the user and do not burden the user.

  Next, a description will be given of a first embodiment of the present invention in which the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is further embodied using a dictionary table for character recognition.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of the portable terminal of the present invention.

  A mobile terminal 100 illustrated in FIG. 2 includes a control unit 10 that performs operation control of the entire mobile terminal 100 and a storage unit 20 that stores a dictionary and the like. Furthermore, the mobile terminal 100 includes a display unit 30 that displays information output from the control unit 10, an operation unit 40 that inputs instructions and data to the control unit 10, and a camera 50 that captures an image.

  Here, the mobile terminal 100 of the present embodiment is a portable mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, a PHS terminal, or a PDA. Accordingly, the mobile terminal 100 of FIG. 2 further outputs a radio unit and an antenna for connecting to a mobile communication network, a voice input unit and a voice output unit for voice calls, a telephone ring tone, an alarm sound, and the like. It may include a speaker or the like.

  The control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown), and the CPU controls the operation of the mobile terminal 100 by executing software stored in the storage unit 20 or the like. It has become.

  Then, the control unit 10 performs various functions provided in the mobile terminal 100, such as a call origination / reception function, a call function, an e-mail function, an Internet connection function, a schedule function, an address book function, a camera function, a phone book function, and the like. Execute. Further, the control unit 10 executes a character conversion function.

  The character conversion function is realized by the character conversion unit 11 of the control unit 10. The character conversion unit 11 converts kana and Roman input character information input from the operation unit 40 into data such as kanji and symbols when creating an e-mail or inputting schedule data.

  The storage unit 20 stores software for executing various functions of the mobile terminal 100, numerical data and character data handled by various functions, image data, and the like. Furthermore, the storage unit 20 includes a character conversion dictionary table (hereinafter simply referred to as a character conversion dictionary) 21 that is referred to when the character conversion unit 11 executes the character conversion function, and all of the items that the mobile terminal 100 can execute. A function name dictionary table (hereinafter simply referred to as a function name dictionary) 22 that stores function names is included.

  The character conversion dictionary 21 is a basic dictionary for performing so-called kana-kanji conversion for converting kana or Roman input character information into data such as kanji. The character conversion dictionary 21 may be composed of a prediction dictionary that predicts characters and sentences ahead and outputs conversion candidates when the user inputs several characters such as kana and romaji. The character conversion dictionary 21 may be a dictionary having a function of learning information about conversion candidates from past conversion results, registering the information in the dictionary, and storing the information.

  The function name dictionary 22 is a dictionary table that accumulates character data of names of all functions provided in the mobile terminal 100. For example, assuming that the mobile terminal 100 has a camera function, the function name dictionary 22 stores function name character data representing a camera function “camera”. Further, assuming that the mobile terminal 100 has a schedule function, the function name dictionary 22 stores function name character data representing the schedule function “schedule”.

  The display unit 30 displays various types of information output from the control unit 10 including the character conversion unit 11, such as character information, symbol information, and image information. The display unit 30 also displays characters such as kanji converted by the character conversion unit 11 of the control unit 10, conversion candidate characters, icons (icons), symbols made up of specific character strings, and the like.

  The operation unit 40 includes various keys necessary for the operation of the mobile terminal 100 such as a numeric keypad, a cross key, or function keys for executing various functions such as telephone call and phone book reference. Enter instructions and data.

  Next, a detailed configuration of the character conversion unit 11 shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a detailed block diagram illustrating an example of the character conversion unit. In FIG. 3, components corresponding to those shown in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals or symbols, and description thereof is omitted.

  The character conversion unit 11 illustrated in FIG. 3 includes, for example, an input character conversion unit 12, a function name search unit 13, and a symbol output unit 14.

  The input character conversion unit 12 receives input character information composed of kana and roman characters input from the operation unit 40 and refers to the character conversion dictionary 21 to indicate the input characters as kanji, katakana, hiragana, or the like. Convert to data. The input character conversion unit 12 then sends the converted character data to the function name search unit 13.

  The function name search unit 13 receives the converted character data sent from the input character conversion unit 12 and searches whether the converted character data is stored as a word in the function name dictionary 22. When the converted character data is stored in the function name dictionary 22, the function name search unit 13 sends the character data of the function name corresponding to the converted character data to the symbol output unit 14. When the converted character data is not stored in the function name dictionary 22, the function name search unit 13 sends the converted character data received from the input character conversion unit 12 to the display unit 30 as it is.

  The symbol output unit 14 receives the character data of the function name from the function name search unit 13. The function name dictionary 22 is referenced to select symbol information for activating a function corresponding to the character data of the function name, and the selected symbol information is sent to the display unit 30. Here, the symbol information is information indicating an icon or a character string for starting the corresponding function.

  Next, the detailed configuration of the function name dictionary 22 shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a detailed configuration diagram illustrating an example of a function name dictionary.

  The function name dictionary 22 shown in FIG. 4 is a dictionary table that accumulates character data of names of all functions provided in the mobile terminal 100 and data and information related thereto as described above.

  The function name dictionary 22 includes a function name column (2201 column in FIG. 4), a function-corresponding character column (2202 column), a symbol column (2203 column), as shown in line 2211 in FIG. Is included. Here, the column indicates a storage area.

  In the function name column (column 2201), character data of names of all functions of the mobile terminal 100 is stored. 4 illustrates data related to the camera function (line 2212 in FIG. 4), data related to the schedule function (line 2213), data related to the character type switching function (line 2214), and the like. The camera function is a function such as taking a picture with a camera provided in the mobile terminal 100 or browsing taken image data. The schedule function is a function such as writing an execution schedule in the schedule table held in the mobile terminal 100 or browsing the contents of the schedule table. The character type switching function is a function for switching the type of characters to be input when characters are input to the mobile terminal 100 such as e-mail creation. Examples of character types include kana-kanji, pictographs, emoticons, and alphanumeric characters. These functions are activated and executed by the control unit 10.

  The function-corresponding character column (2202 column) holds a keyword for activating the function corresponding to the function name stored in the function name column (2201 column). Thus, for example, when the camera function of the mobile terminal 100 is to be activated, when the keyword “camera” (column of intersection of 2202 columns and 2212 rows) is input, the function name search of the character conversion unit 11 in FIG. The unit 13 searches the function name dictionary 22 from the keyword. If the function name search unit 13 recognizes that there is character data of “camera” from the function-corresponding character column (column 2202) in FIG. 4, it determines that the camera function is to be activated. In addition, the function name search unit 13 determines that the camera function is desired to be activated by the keyword “camera” (the column of the intersection of the 2202 column and the 2212-2 row). Similarly, the function name search unit 13 also uses the keyword “shooting” (column of intersection of 2202 columns and 2212-3 rows) or “imaging” (column of intersection of 2202 columns and 2212-4 rows). Judge that you want to activate the camera function.

  As another example, when the input character type is to be switched during the character input to the mobile terminal 100, when the keyword “picture” (column of intersection of 2202 columns and 2214 rows) is input, It is determined that the character type switching function is activated and the character type is to be switched to a pictograph. Further, when the keyword “face” (column of intersection of 2202 columns and 2214-2 rows) is input, it is determined that the character type is to be switched to the emoticon.

  The symbol column (column 2203) holds a symbol for activating the function described in the function name column (column 2201) as symbol information. For example, as a symbol for activating the camera function of the mobile terminal 100, an icon representing the outer shape of the camera (column of intersection of 2203 columns and 2212 rows) is held. Alternatively, as another symbol for activating the camera function of the mobile terminal 100, a character string “camera activation” (the column of intersection of 2203-2 column and 2212 line) may be held.

  As another example, during execution of character input to the mobile terminal 100, an icon representing the pictogram (column of intersection of 2203 columns and 2214 rows) is held as a symbol for switching the input character type to the pictogram. Yes. Alternatively, as another symbol for switching the input character type to a pictogram, a character string “switching pictogram” (column of intersection of 2203-2 column and 2214 line) may be held.

  That is, as a symbol for activating the function of the mobile terminal 100, an icon (2203 column) may be used, and a character string (2203-2 column) may be used as another symbol. Good. The user of the portable terminal 100 can select which symbol is used.

  Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of this embodiment.

  First, character input to the mobile terminal 100 is started. For example, it is a case where the body of an e-mail is input using the e-mail function.

  When character input is started, the input character conversion unit 12 of the character conversion unit 11 receives the input character information input from the operation unit 40. The input character conversion unit 12 uses the character conversion dictionary 21 to convert input character information into character data such as kanji, katakana, hiragana (step S1 in FIG. 5). The input character conversion unit 12 then sends the converted character data to the function name search unit 13.

  The function name search unit 13 receives the converted character data sent from the input character conversion unit 12, and searches whether the converted character data is stored as a word in the function name dictionary 22 (step S2). The search here is performed by searching whether or not the converted character data exists in the function corresponding character column (column 2202 in FIG. 4) of the function name dictionary 22.

  If the converted character data does not exist in the function name dictionary 22 (No in step S2), the function name search unit 13 sends the converted character data as it is to the display unit 30 (step S10). Then, the process proceeds to step S7.

  When the converted character data exists as a keyword in the function name dictionary 22 (Yes in step S2), the function name search unit 13 acquires the character data of the function name corresponding to the converted character data. Then, the acquired character data of the function name is sent to the symbol output unit 14. The function name character data is acquired from the function name column (column 2201 in FIG. 4) corresponding to the function corresponding character column of the function name dictionary 22 (that is, the character that matches the converted character). Done. For example, when the character data after conversion is “camera”, the character data of the function name corresponding to “camera” is “camera” as shown in line 2212 of the function name dictionary 22 of FIG. Even if the character data after conversion is “photographing”, the character data of the corresponding function name is “camera” as shown in line 2212-3 in FIG.

  When the symbol output unit 14 receives the character data of the function name from the function name search unit 13, the symbol output unit 14 refers to the function name dictionary 22 and acquires symbol information of the symbol for starting the function corresponding to the character data of the function name. (Step S3). Then, the symbol output unit 14 sends the acquired symbol information to the display unit 30 (step S4). The acquisition of the symbol information is performed by acquiring the symbol information corresponding to the function name from the symbol column (column 2203 in FIG. 4 or column 2203-2 in FIG. 4) of the function name dictionary 22. For example, when the function name is “camera” and the user of the portable terminal 100 selects that an icon is used as a symbol, the outer shape of the camera is shown at the intersection of line 2212 and column 2203 in FIG. Get icon symbol information. In addition, when the function name is “camera” and the user of the mobile terminal 100 selects that a character string is used as a symbol, “camera” shown at the intersection of the 2212 row and the 2203-2 column in FIG. The character string “startup” is acquired as symbol information.

  Then, the character conversion unit 11 determines whether the symbol displayed on the display unit 30 has been selected or determined (step S5). The operation of selecting / determining the symbol of the display unit 30 is performed by the operation unit 40, for example. That is, the operation is performed by an operation such as placing the cursor on the symbol displayed on the display unit 30 and pressing the enter key.

  When the symbol is selected / determined (Yes in step S5), the character conversion unit 11 returns the control right of the mobile terminal 100 to the control unit 10 of the mobile terminal 100. The control unit 10 activates the function corresponding to the symbol, and when the execution of the function ends (step S6), the control right of the portable terminal 100 is returned to the character conversion unit 11. That is, the character conversion unit 11 returns to a state where the character input operation is continued. Note that the operation in step S6 in FIG. 5 is an operation executed by the control unit 10 instead of the character conversion unit 11.

  The character conversion unit 11 determines whether the next input character information has been input (step S7).

  When the next input character information is input (Yes in step S7), the process returns to step S1, and the character conversion unit 11 performs the input character conversion operation again.

  In step S5, if the symbol of the display unit 30 is not selected / determined and is deleted, for example (No in step S5), the character conversion unit 11 proceeds to step S7 and determines whether the next input character has been input. Perform the action.

  Next, a specific example of the operation of the present embodiment described in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display screen example of the operation of the present embodiment.

  As described with reference to FIG. 5, it is assumed that the body of the email is input using the email function of the mobile terminal 100. In addition, it is assumed that the user of the mobile terminal 100 selects that an icon is used as a symbol for activating the function of the mobile terminal 100.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, it is assumed that the part (1) in the e-mail body has already been input, and the input character “Satsuei” shown in (2) has been input.

  The input character conversion unit 12 of the character conversion unit 11 refers to the character conversion dictionary 21 and converts the input character “Satsuei” into character data of the Chinese character “shooting” (step S1 in FIG. 5). Then, the converted character data is sent to the function name search unit 13.

  The function name search unit 13 searches whether the converted character data “shooting” is stored as a word in the function name dictionary 22 (step S2 in FIG. 5).

  The converted character data “photograph” is stored in the function-corresponding character column (column 2202) of the function name dictionary 22 (line 2212-3 in FIG. 4). Therefore, the function name search unit 13 acquires “camera” as the character data of the function name corresponding to “shooting” (line 2212-3 in FIG. 4), and sends this to the symbol output unit.

  The symbol output unit 14 refers to the function name dictionary 22 and acquires an icon indicating the outer shape of the camera as symbol information corresponding to the function name “camera” (step S3 in FIG. 5). It is sent out (step S4 in FIG. 5). As shown in (3) of FIG. 6B, an icon indicating the outer shape of the camera is displayed on the display unit 30.

  When the icon (3) is selected and determined in FIG. 6B (Yes in step S5 in FIG. 5), the camera function of the mobile terminal 100 is activated as shown in (4) in FIG. 6C. (Step S6 in FIG. 5).

  When the camera function activated in FIGS. 6C and 6 ends, the character conversion unit 11 starts operating again. Then, as shown in (5) of FIG. 6 (D), when the next input character is input (Yes in step S7 of FIG. 5), the e-mail text that has been executed before the camera function is activated is displayed. Input operation is resumed.

  Note that the input character “Satsuei” shown in (2) of FIG. 6A is converted to obtain character data of the Chinese character “shooting”, and the converted character data “shooting” is stored in the function name dictionary 22. If not, the character conversion unit 11 operates as follows. That is, the function name search unit 13 of the character conversion unit 11 sends the converted “shooting” character data to the display unit 30 as it is (step S10 in FIG. 5). That is, the converted character data “captured” is displayed as a part of the e-mail body as shown in (6) of FIG.

  In the embodiment described above, camera functions, schedule functions, character type switching functions, and the like are illustrated as functions to be activated. However, other functions can be similarly activated by registering and accumulating them in the function name dictionary. For example, it is possible to activate various functions such as a function of inserting an attached file into an e-mail, a function of inserting a fixed sentence in a mail body, a function of calling a template (template).

  The embodiment of the mobile terminal of the present invention has been described above.

  The portable terminal of the present embodiment includes a control unit, a display unit, a character conversion unit, and a dictionary table that stores data corresponding to functions related to characters. When the data corresponding to the function related to the input character exists in the dictionary table, the character conversion unit outputs a symbol corresponding to the function. The symbol is displayed on the display unit.

  More specifically, even when the mobile terminal of this embodiment is executing a function that involves character input, by inputting input character information related to another function that is desired to be activated, the character conversion unit causes the character to be stored in the dictionary table. Search whether it is stored in. When the characters are stored in the dictionary table, they are converted into symbols (icons or character strings) for activating functions related to the characters and displayed on the display unit. After this display, for example, when a displayed symbol is selected and determined, a function corresponding to the symbol is activated by the control unit.

  Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to easily activate the desired function without taking the trouble of opening the function menu and selecting the desired function from the function menu.

  In addition, since the desired function is activated simply by inputting the input character information related to the function to be activated, there is no need to install a new function key or the like on a miniaturized portable terminal. Play.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 to 6 only in the following points.

  That is, the portable terminal 100 of the second embodiment is different only in the internal function of the character conversion unit 11 of the control unit 10 of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the code of the character conversion unit is 11-1.

  And in the character conversion part 11-1, when the character data after conversion are accumulate | stored in the function name dictionary 22, together with the symbol information for starting the function corresponding to the character data after conversion, after conversion The only difference is that the character data is also sent to the display unit.

  Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described only with respect to differences from the first embodiment.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the portable terminal of the present invention. In FIG. 7, components corresponding to those shown in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals or symbols, and description thereof is omitted.

  A mobile terminal 100 illustrated in FIG. 7 includes a control unit 10 that performs operation control of the entire mobile terminal 100 and a storage unit 20 that stores a dictionary and the like. Furthermore, the mobile terminal 100 includes a display unit 30 that displays information output from the control unit 10, an operation unit 40 that inputs instructions and data to the control unit 10, and a camera 50 that captures an image.

  The control unit 10 includes a CPU (not shown), and the operation of the mobile terminal 100 is controlled by the CPU executing software stored in the storage unit 20 or the like.

  Then, the control unit 10 performs various functions provided in the mobile terminal 100, such as a call origination / reception function, a call function, an e-mail function, an Internet connection function, a schedule function, an address book function, a camera function, a phone book function, and the like. Execute. Further, the control unit 10 executes a character conversion function.

  The character conversion function is realized by the character conversion unit 11-1 of the control unit 10. Then, the character conversion unit 11-1 converts the input character information of kana and romaji input from the operation unit 40 into data such as kanji and symbols when creating an e-mail or inputting schedule data.

  Since the other components shown in FIG. 7 are the same as those in the first embodiment, further explanation regarding FIG. 7 is omitted.

  Next, a detailed configuration of the character conversion unit 11-1 shown in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a detailed block diagram illustrating an example of a character conversion unit according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 8, components corresponding to those shown in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals or symbols, and description thereof is omitted.

  The character conversion unit 11-1 illustrated in FIG. 8 includes, for example, an input character conversion unit 12-1, a function name search unit 13-1, and a symbol output unit 14-1.

  The input character conversion unit 12-1 receives input character information composed of kana and roman characters input from the operation unit 40, and refers to the character conversion dictionary 21, thereby converting the input characters into kanji, katakana, hiragana, etc. Is converted to data indicating. Then, the input character conversion unit 12-1 sends the converted character data to the function name search unit 13-1.

  The function name search unit 13-1 receives the converted character data sent from the input character conversion unit 12-1 and searches whether the converted character data is stored as a word in the function name dictionary 22. When the converted character data is stored in the function name dictionary 22, the function name search unit 13-1 combines the character data of the function name corresponding to the converted character data together with the character data after conversion. The data is sent to the output unit 14-1.

  When the converted character data is not stored in the function name dictionary 22, the function name search unit 13-1 sends the converted character data received from the input character conversion unit 12-1 to the display unit 30 as it is. .

  The symbol output unit 14-1 receives the converted character data together with the character data of the function name from the function name search unit 13-1. Then, the function name dictionary 22 is referenced to select symbol information for activating the function corresponding to the character data of the function name, and the converted character data is sent to the display unit 30 together with the selected symbol information. .

  Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the second embodiment. 9, components corresponding to those shown in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals or symbols, and description thereof is omitted as much as possible.

  First, when character input to the mobile terminal 100 is started, the input character conversion unit 12-1 of the character conversion unit 11-1 receives input character information input from the operation unit 40. The input character conversion unit 12-1 uses the character conversion dictionary 21 to convert the input character information into character data such as kanji, katakana, hiragana (step S1 in FIG. 9). Then, the input character conversion unit 12-1 sends the converted character data to the function name search unit 13-1.

  The function name search unit 13-1 receives the converted character data sent from the input character conversion unit 12-1, and searches whether the converted character data is stored as words in the function name dictionary 22 ( Step S2).

  If the converted character data does not exist in the function name dictionary 22 (No in step S2), the function name search unit 13-1 sends the converted character data to the display unit 30 as it is (step S10). Then, the process proceeds to step S7.

  When the converted character data exists as a keyword in the function name dictionary 22 (Yes in step S2), the function name search unit 13-1 acquires the character data of the function name corresponding to the converted character data. Then, together with the acquired character data of the function name, the converted character data is also sent to the symbol output unit 14-1.

  The symbol output unit 14-1 receives the character data of the function name and the converted character data from the function name search unit 13-1. Then, the symbol output unit 14-1 refers to the function name dictionary 22 and acquires symbol information of a symbol for activating a function corresponding to the character data of the function name (step S3). Next, the symbol output unit 14-1 sends the converted character data together with the acquired symbol information to the display unit 30 (step S4-1).

  Next, the character conversion unit 11-1 determines whether the symbol displayed on the display unit 30 has been selected or determined (step S5-1).

  When the symbol is selected / determined (Yes in step S5-1), the character conversion unit 11-1 returns the control right of the mobile terminal 100 to the control unit 10 of the mobile terminal 100. The control unit 10 activates the function corresponding to the symbol, and when the execution of the function ends (step S6), the control right of the portable terminal 100 is returned to the character conversion unit 11-1. That is, the character conversion unit 11-1 returns to a state where the character input operation is continued.

  The character conversion unit 11-1 determines whether the next input character information has been input (step S7).

  When the next input character information is input (Yes in step S7), the process returns to step S1, and the character conversion unit 11-1 performs the input character conversion operation again.

  If the symbol of the display unit 30 is not selected / determined in step S5-1, for example, character data after conversion is selected / determined (No in step S5-1), the character conversion unit 11-1 inputs characters. It is determined that the operation is continued, and the process proceeds to step S7. And the operation | movement which determines whether the following input character information was input is performed.

  The second embodiment of the portable terminal of the present invention has been described above.

  The portable terminal of the present embodiment includes a control unit, a display unit, a character conversion unit, and a dictionary table that stores data corresponding to functions related to characters. When the data corresponding to the function related to the input character exists in the dictionary table, the character conversion unit adds the converted character obtained by converting the input character in addition to the symbol corresponding to the function. Output. The symbol and the converted character are displayed on the display unit.

  More specifically, even when the portable terminal of the second embodiment is executing a function involving character input, by inputting input character information related to another function to be activated, the character conversion unit Search whether it is stored in the dictionary table. If the character is stored in the dictionary table, it is converted into a symbol (icon or character string) for activating a function related to the character. In addition to the symbols, the converted characters obtained by converting the input character information are displayed on the display unit. After this display, for example, when a displayed symbol is selected and determined, a function corresponding to the symbol is activated by the control unit. Alternatively, when the displayed converted character is selected and determined, the character input operation is continued.

  Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to easily activate the desired function without taking the trouble of opening the function menu and selecting the desired function from the function menu.

  Further, if the symbol is not selected / determined, the character input operation is continued, so that the convenience of the character input function is further improved.

  Within the scope of the entire disclosure (including claims) of the present invention, the embodiments and examples can be changed and adjusted based on the basic technical concept. Various combinations and selections of various disclosed elements are possible within the scope of the claims of the present invention. That is, the present invention of course includes various variations and modifications that could be made by those skilled in the art according to the entire disclosure including the claims and the technical idea.

  For example, in the above-described embodiments and examples, description has been given by taking an example applied to a mobile terminal. The present invention can be applied to other information processing apparatuses (terminals) in general.

Claims (18)

A display unit;
A character conversion unit that recognizes a function related to the input character in a state in which the character can be input, converts the symbol into a symbol displayed on the display unit to activate the recognized function, and outputs the symbol
A control unit that activates the function corresponding to the symbol displayed on the display unit;
Including the terminal. In addition, it includes a dictionary table that stores data corresponding to functions related to characters,
2. The terminal according to claim 1, wherein the character conversion unit outputs the symbol corresponding to the function when data corresponding to the function related to the input character exists in the dictionary table. . The character conversion unit converts the input character using a character conversion dictionary, and generates an input character conversion unit after conversion,
A function name search unit that searches whether the converted character sent from the input character conversion unit exists in the dictionary table, and if present, acquires a function name corresponding to the converted character;
A symbol output unit for acquiring a symbol for starting a function corresponding to the function name sent from the function name search unit and sending it to the display unit;
The terminal according to claim 2, comprising: The function name search unit, when the converted character sent from the input character conversion unit does not exist in the dictionary table, sends the converted character to the display unit,
The terminal according to claim 3. When the data corresponding to the function related to the input character is present in the dictionary table, the character conversion unit converts the input character after conversion in addition to the symbol corresponding to the function. Output characters,
The terminal according to claim 2, wherein the terminal is a terminal. The symbol is composed of an icon or a character string.
The terminal according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: A conversion step of recognizing a function related to the input character and converting the character into a symbol for activating the recognized function in a state where the character can be input;
A display step of displaying the converted symbol on a display unit;
An activation step of activating the function corresponding to the symbol displayed on the display unit;
Function activation method including   In the conversion step, if the data corresponding to the function related to the input character exists in the dictionary table storing the data corresponding to the function related to the character, the symbol corresponding to the function is output. The function activation method according to claim 7, wherein: The conversion step converts the input character using a character conversion dictionary, and generates a converted character;
Searching whether the converted character generated in the generating step exists in the dictionary table, and acquiring the function name corresponding to the converted character if it exists, in the acquiring step A symbol output step of acquiring a symbol for starting the function corresponding to the acquired function name and sending it to the display unit;
The function activation method according to claim 8, comprising: In the obtaining step, when the converted character does not exist in the dictionary table, the converted character is sent to the display unit.
The function starting method according to claim 9. In the display step, when data corresponding to a function related to the input character exists in the dictionary table,
In addition to the symbol corresponding to the function, the converted character obtained by converting the input character is output.
The function starting method according to claim 8. The symbol is composed of an icon or a character string.
12. The function starting method according to claim 7, wherein the function starting method is any one of claims 7 to 11. A conversion process for recognizing a function related to the input character and converting it into a symbol for starting the recognized function in a state where the character can be input;
Display processing for displaying the converted symbol on a display unit;
An activation process for activating the function corresponding to the symbol displayed on the display unit;
That causes a terminal to execute.   In the conversion process, when the data corresponding to the function related to the input character exists in the dictionary table storing the data corresponding to the function related to the character, the symbol corresponding to the function is output. The program according to claim 13. The conversion process includes: a generation process for converting the input character using a character conversion dictionary and generating a character after conversion;
Search for whether the converted character generated in the generating process exists in the dictionary table, and if present, an acquisition process for acquiring a function name corresponding to the converted character;
A symbol output process for acquiring a symbol for activating a function corresponding to the function name acquired in the acquisition process and sending it to the display unit;
The program according to claim 14, comprising: In the acquisition process, when the converted character does not exist in the dictionary table, the converted character is sent to the display unit.
The program according to claim 15. In the display process, when data corresponding to the function related to the input character exists in the dictionary table, the converted character obtained by converting the input character in addition to the symbol corresponding to the function Output,
The program according to claim 14.   The program according to any one of claims 13 to 17, which displays a symbol composed of an icon or a character string.

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